1001 Dark Nights Presents: Review and Excerpt Tour: Strung Up by Lorelei James

We are absolutely thrilled to bring you the Review & Excerpt Tour for Lorelei James’ STRUNG UP! STRUNG UP is a Blacktop Cowboys Series Novella brought to you by 1001 Dark Nights. Check out all the stops on this awesome tour and grab your copy today!

About STRUNG UP: A Blacktop Cowboys Novella

From New York Times bestseller Lorelei James…

Rancher Creston Grant retreats from the world after he loses the love of his life….Can his former flame, rodeo cowboy Breck Christianson prove he’s a changed man who can give Cres a second chance at love?

– EXCERPT –

Sutton studied me before he sighed. “I’m protective of him.”

“Why? I get that he’s your younger brother, but he is an adult.”

“Cres has had a rough go of it and I don’t want you takin’ advantage of him.” Sutton’s gaze hardened. “Like you did a few years ago when I sent him to you to deal with my horse.”

“Cres was an adult then too. He made his own choices. And fuck you if you think his bein’ with me back then somehow turned him gay.”

“Whoa. I never said that and I sure as hell didn’t mean to imply it.” He paused. “Let’s start over. This isn’t meant to be accusatory. But when you were talkin’ with Cres last night, did you tell him about bein’ outed and all the crap that happened afterward?”

“Yeah. I always thought you were bein’ humble when you said not everyone in your family rabidly followed rodeo.” I sipped my coffee. “He didn’t know anything about it.”

“Not surprised. People outside the world of rodeo would likely shrug and wonder why it’d been such a big deal.” He folded his arms on his chest. “So part of me wonders why you’d willingly put yourself back into this world, Breck.”

My cheeks heated. “It’s not like I have another skill set. And besides, don’t think I don’t know that you’re the one who suggested me as a possible instructor for the Gradskys’ rodeo school. Macon made the call, but that happened at your urging, Sutton.”

He grinned. “I figured if they couldn’t have me, they’d want the second best champion bulldogger…which is you.”

“You’re hilarious. And if I haven’t said it, I appreciate your faith in me.” Before things got sappy or awkward, I added, “So why didn’t you take the job? Since your wife is here all the time anyway?”

“After I survived that last run, during my stint in the hospital I swore that I was done throwing myself off the back of a galloping horse onto a steer. It’s a promise I’ve kept.”

– REVIEW –

Who doesn’t want to soothe the heart of a wounded cowboy?

Lorelei James’ Strung Up tells the tale of cowboy Creston (Cres) Grant and the second chance at love he gets with Breck Christianson.

Breck, dealing with his struggles as a gay man cruelly outed, can’t seem to get his bearings in life. Restless, the once former Rodeo star finds work at the Grade A Rodeo Academy, where he encounters his former flame, Cres. Cres, immobilized by grief over his late love, Mick, finally begins to come out of mourning when Breck shows up — the Rodeo Academy is owned by members of Cres’ extended family.

In an angsty dance, Cres and Breck two-step around their feelings for one another. Finally, they take that chance for a life of happiness by making a serious commitment to be together.

Strung Up is a very short novella by Lorelei James, and part of her Blacktop Cowboys Series.

It is also the latest offering from the folks at 1001 Dark Nights, which ensures Strung Up is quality reading. Not being familiar with author James’ series, I was engrossed in this story from the first chapter — i.e., you do not have to be familiar with her series to enjoy this novella. Both Cres and Breck are sympathetic and well written characters, the story well-written (joyous, heartbreaking and 🔥HOT🔥) and the cowboy sex is as mouthwatering as a grilled, hickory-smoked porterhouse steak. (Read that as delicious.)

If you are a fan of slash, M/M, I recommend Strung Up — it’s a quick, well-written story.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

ARC received from 1001 Dark Nights in exchange for an honest review.

– ABOUT THE AUTHOR –

LORELEI JAMES

Lorelei James is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of contemporary erotic western romances set in the modern day Wild West and also contemporary erotic romances. Lorelei’s books have been nominated for and won the Romantic Times Reviewer’s choice Award, as well as the CAPA Award. Lorelei lives in western South Dakota with her family…and a whole closet full of cow girl boots.

From Lorelei: “Why do I have a particular fondness for all things western? Well, I’m a fourth generation South Dakotan, living in the Black Hills, which is chock-full of interesting characters, including cowboys, Indians, ranchers, and bikers. The geographical diversity of the surrounding area showcases mountains, plains, and badlands. Living in and writing about rural settings gives me a unique perspective, especially since I’m not writing historical westerns. Through my fictional world, I can show the ideals and the cowboy way of life are still very much alive.”